Rothaarsteig in 12 stages: Stage 10 from the source of the Lahn to Hainchen

The Rothaarsteig leads along numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry roads. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are therefore a must for every hike. We want you to experience the "Path of the Senses" not only "dry", but also with "good" feet.

In our small hiking store at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your tour or as a souvenir. We are also happy to recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment from our long-standing partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.

Hiking rucksack

A suitable hiking rucksack will make your tour on the Rothaarsteig twice as much fun! Hiking rucksacks have a ventilated carrying system that makes them very comfortable to wear, as this ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be fastened with a waist or hip belt and thus sit firmly on your back with every movement. They are also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often have a compartment with a tube outlet for a hydration bladder, so that hydration is ensured at all times.

Here you can find hiking rucksacks from outdoor outfitter Tatonka in various sizes for day hikes and multi-day tours and with different ventilated back systems.

First aid kit

To make sure you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig to the full, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries immediately. The first aid kits from Tatonka are filled with all the important materials for the initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guide to the correct behavior in the event of an emergency in the great outdoors.

You can find Tatonka first aid kits here!

Food and drinks

On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no refreshment stops along the way. Remember to pack food and drink, especially here. Especially in summer, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.

The stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs and stainless steel lunch boxes from the German outdoor equipment manufacturer Tatonka are not only practical, but also unbreakable and durable.

Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig

Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and all hikers have certainly thought about what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I anyway? Can the emergency services reach me?

In an emergency, things have to happen quickly! That's why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called rescue signs throughout. On the green and white plaques attached to the posts of the signposts, there is a combination of letters and numbers that you must enter when making an emergency call. This way, the emergency services know exactly where you are and valuable time can be saved.

Note on the increased risk of forest fires

Please bear in mind that there is currently an increased risk of forest fires due to the drought! Therefore, please observe the following instructions:

• Observe the legal ban on smoking in the forest - it applies in spring, summer and fall, more precisely: from March 1 to October 31.


• Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.


• Take glass out of the forest - the burning glass effect can cause forest fires.

When it is (too) late:

• Extinguish small incipient fires if you can do so safely. Check the area carefully if necessary.


• Report fires via "112".


• Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.

The forest will thank you!

Special points along the way:

• Lahnquelle


• Ilse spring


• Coffee beech rest area


• Hainchen moated castle

Restaurants:

• Hotel Fünf10


• Pension zum Rothaarsteig


• Romantic country hotel Doerr


• Hotel im Auerbachtal


• Gasthof Pension Jokebes

All the accommodations mentioned are certified as Rothaarsteig quality establishments and offer a transfer to and from the Rothaarsteig for a small surcharge. Unfortunately, there are no refreshment stops along the way.

Book recommendations by the author:

To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At www.rothaarst eig.de/prospekte you can easily select the information you need. A good companion for every tour is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Wegweiser" (Rothaarsteig Trail Guide) with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.

The Rothaarsteig recommends:

Hikeline hiking guide: Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail - From Brilon in the Sauerland over the ridge of the Rothaargebirge to Dillenburg

Conrad Stein Verlag: Hiking guide Rothaarsteig - long-distance hiking trail. Rothaarsteig from Brilon to Dillenburg by Amrei Risse

Rother Bergverlag: Rother hiking guide Rothaarsteig. With Sauerland-Höhenflug and Sauerland-Waldroute by Matthias Schopp

Author's recommended maps:

The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000, divided into two sheets (sheet north / sheet south), with up-to-date route guidance and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops and much more can be ordered free of shipping costs at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte.

The starting point of this tour at the source of the Lahn is unfortunately not accessible by public transport. The end point of this tour can be reached by bus line R16 from the train station in Siegen (IBus stop: Netphen-Hainchen, Kirche).

Parking at the starting point of the stage: Lahnhof hiking parking lot

Parking at the end of the stage: Wasserburg Hainchen